First Step Act

Definition

The First Step Act is a bipartisan criminal justice reform law enacted in December 2018 aimed at reducing recidivism and refining sentencing laws. This act represents a significant shift toward prioritizing rehabilitation over punitive measures, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for alternatives to incarceration within the criminal justice system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The First Step Act aims to reduce the federal prison population by promoting rehabilitation programs and easing mandatory minimum sentences for certain nonviolent offenses.
2. It allows inmates to earn time credits for participating in vocational training and educational programs, incentivizing rehabilitation efforts.
3. The act also addresses sentencing disparities, particularly those affecting crack cocaine offenses, which disproportionately impacted communities of color.
4. Under the First Step Act, inmates have better access to compassionate release provisions, enabling them to seek early release under certain circumstances.
5. The law encourages the use of risk assessment tools to make informed decisions about inmate management and parole eligibility.

Review Questions

• How does the First Step Act aim to reduce recidivism among federal inmates?
  • The First Step Act addresses recidivism by providing inmates with access to rehabilitation programs such as vocational training and educational courses. By allowing inmates to earn time credits for participation in these programs, the act incentivizes personal development and prepares individuals for successful reintegration into society. The focus on reducing recidivism reflects a shift towards understanding that providing opportunities for rehabilitation can lead to lower re-offense rates.
• What are the implications of the First Step Act on mandatory minimum sentencing laws, and how does it impact judicial discretion?
  • The First Step Act modifies certain mandatory minimum sentencing laws by allowing judges more discretion when sentencing nonviolent offenders. This change aims to reduce the harsh penalties that have historically led to overcrowded prisons and unfairly impacted marginalized communities. The act's adjustments encourage a more nuanced approach to sentencing, where judges can consider individual circumstances and promote alternatives to lengthy incarceration.
• Evaluate the broader social impact of the First Step Act on communities affected by high incarceration rates and systemic inequality in the criminal justice system.
  • The First Step Act has the potential to create significant social change by addressing systemic inequalities prevalent in the criminal justice system. By reducing the federal prison population and emphasizing rehabilitation, it seeks to alleviate some of the negative impacts of mass incarceration on communities, particularly those of color that have been disproportionately affected by stringent sentencing laws. This reform not only promotes fairness in sentencing but also fosters community stability by enabling formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate successfully, reducing poverty and enhancing public safety.

Related terms

Recidivism:

The tendency of previously incarcerated individuals to be re-arrested, reconvicted, or reincarcerated.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Laws that set minimum sentences for specific crimes, limiting judicial discretion in sentencing.

Bureau of Prisons (BOP): The agency responsible for the administration of federal prisons and the care and custody of inmates in the United States.